‘Le doggie bag’ noses into French leftovers

PARIS – Diners in French bistros and cafes who want to take home leftovers are often met with bewildered looks. That could soon change with a proposed law requiring small restaurants to provide “le doggie bag” to any customer who asks.

Though doggie bags are common in the USA and Asia, where they are viewed as a compliment to the chef, Europeans often consider it gauche to take home uneaten food.

“In Paris and large cities, people tend to eat out more. But in the rest of France, food is something that is mostly consumed at home,” said Paris sociologist Anne Lhuissier.

The practice is so unusual in this food-obsessed country that people say “le doggie bag,” because there is no equivalent term in French. The hotel and restaurant industry union UMIH tried to promote the “le gourmet bag.”

“It’s a smart move,” said Emmanuel Dumas, 36, in Paris. “If the food is good, you won’t have any leftovers. And if you have leftovers, you are still getting what you have paid for.”

A recent government survey found that 70% of French people have never taken home leftovers but that 75% of the respondents were open to the idea of doggie bags.

Bérangère Abba, a member of Parliament who proposed the doggie bag law, calls it a “common-sense measure” aimed at reducing food waste that will find wide acceptance. She said the vote on the bill is expected by the end of May.

“Most consumer associations and the majority of restaurateurs have welcomed the bill,” Abba said. She said some critics complained that supplying containers to the public would be an extra burden on restaurateurs.